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Successful people don't achieve their distinction by having some new talent or opportunity presented to them. They developed an opportunity that was at hand.

You'll find that every situation, properly perceived, offers you an opportunity. As fast as each opportunity presents itself, use it. No matter how tiny an opportunity may be, use it.

Every problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem and turned it into an opportunity.

You'll find new directions when you have an open mind and a willing hand. You must make your own opportunity if you want to be successful.

Hermie

Logged

Diagnosed in 1987 and still kickingKivexa (Epzicom),Tivicay once daily.

Your thread today has caught me thinking about this very topic....I was told a long time ago that LUCK = where opportunity meets preparation.

In a span of just a year, I have been presented with an opportunity to speak for the Affected Community who live with HIV/AIDS to a mass audience...an unexpected invitation, to be sure, and one that I pray I am ready for.

The one thing that I am sure of is this: it never would have happened had I not taken the risk to step forward into the clinical studies I am involved in, nor would it have become a reality had I not found all of you here on the AM Forums to give me the inspiration to walk on this path.

It was not until recently that I understood why I was throwing myself into the CAUSE with such passion: we are given but one LIFE to live, and staying silent about my experiences (and those of others) is no longer serving its purpose. As you have stated here, I have recognized a problem, and will do everything in my power to do my part in finding a resolution.

My silence about my HIV+ status was the problem. I have registered my voice to break the silence. It's a small thing compared to the huge numbers of us in the world, but it's a start. Change happens one person at a time.

Thank you for this thread today, my friend. You continue to be one individual who inspires me to continue on this journey with every word you type.

With much love, and admiration, always,

Zephyr (who is looking forward to meeting Hermie eye to eye in Montreal!!)